3.4.3
The ordinary people
Artisans and merchants Artisans were a large group of common people. Sons learned their craft from their fathers. Craftsmen included: • stonemasons, who built temples, tombs, statues and monuments • painters, who decorated temples, tombs and cofýns • woodworkers, who made furniture • wigmakers, who made wigs and false beards • metalworkers, weavers, instrument makers, papermakers and jewellers. Until the fourth century BCE, artisans were paid with food and beer since Egypt had no money. Merchants were wealthier and worked in trade. Peasants Peasants were the largest group. Most farmed land was owned by the pharaoh, priests or nobles, so most crops produced by peasants were given as rent or taxes. They ploughed, planted and harvested. During þoods, they worked on projects like pyramids and temples. There were also labourers, servants and some slaves. Ordinary Egyptians stayed in their class to maintain ma’at (harmony) and follow the gods’ will.
SkillBuilder discussion Using historical sources 1. Describe the farming activities shown in this Egyptian papyrus. 2. Identify the tools and animals used by the workers in the image. 3. Explain how these farming
SOURCE5 An Egyptian papyrus depicting farming work
methods might have supported Egyptian society.
Ordinary women Women in ancient Egypt had fewer rights than men. They cooked, cared for children and worked in ýelds. Most couldn’t read or write and had limited jobs, but they enjoyed more freedom than in other ancient societies.
88 Jacaranda Humanities Alive 7 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
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